CHAPTER 7: INTERIOR SPACE DESIGN
tective barriers can be vertical slats or, preferably, acrylic panels (for
Locate the art sink next to the eating/table area because most art activities
clear visibility). Openings in these panels should not be greater than 76
require similar tables and finishes. This sink should be close to display
mm to prevent entrapment. Avoid using horizontal rails that allow climb-
walls equipped with dry marker boards or chalkboards. Provide sheet
ing.
impervious floor coverings with sealed seams and using a floor drain in
All protruding corners must have a minimum radius of 13 mm.
this area, if feasible. Built-in counters, especially with a configuration that
allows children to face each other during activities, should be included. A
Teachers must be able to see and easily reach all areas of a loft.
shatter-proof mirror above the counter is a desirable feature.
The loft should present an image of safety, avoiding over-stimulating
elements such as cantilevers, narrow bridges, or other elements that
7.6.4 Toilets and Sink:
present overly-challenging activities.
For toddlers and pre-school children the plumbing requirements are as
Design level changes appropriate to the age group and accessible by
follows:
ramps, steps, or ladders. Steps and ladders should allow two children
A minimum of two toilets and two child-height hand washing sinks within
to use them at the same time to avoid aggressive behavior. Riser heights
each classroom area that uses the toileting facility, with never less than
for stairs should be approximately 125 mm for toddlers and pre-school
one toilet, one lavatory and one drinking fountain for every 12 children
children. Minimum tread depth is approximately 280 mm. Stairs and
who will use them (where allowed by licensing). Note: two classrooms
ramps must be a minimum of 915 mm wide.3
may share one toilet area.
Toddlers: A minimum of two adult sinks, one for diapering in the toddler
Provide handrails for all stairs and ramps at 550 mm above the leading
room, and one in a separate area for food preparation.
edge of the treads. All handrails must return to the wall to avoid the possibility
Preschoolers: A minimum of one adult sink and one to two hand wash-
of injury. Handrails must also meet the requirements of the latest edition of
ing sinks for every ten to twenty children with a connection for water
the National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code. At the time of
play.
this writing, ASTM is preparing new standards which may alter these
standards. Consult the most current ASTM at the time of construction or
Until kindergarten, these toilet areas are used by both girls and boys, and
purchase of equipment.
are partially screened but without doors. This offers some privacy, but still
allows adult supervision. Toilet areas are to have gates or half doors at
7.6.3 Art Sink:
entrances and may have child height partitioning between toilets. As with
In toddler classrooms, provide a stainless steel sink with a goose neck
all full height doors, these elements must have hinge protection so that
faucet and wrist handles mounted in a 555 mm high counter for children to
children's hands and fingers are not accidentally pinched or crushed.
use in art and other activities requiring water and cleanup (such as sand
and water play). For pre-school and school-age children the sink height
Kindergarten and school-age children must be provided with private toilets
should be 650 mm. The sink arrangement should have a goose neck
and sinks with separate facilities for boys and girls where more than one
faucet to allow teachers and children to get a bucket under the faucet.
toilet is provided. These facilities should be accessible from the classroom
Traps should be easily accessible for clean-out but not accessible to
and they must have doors for privacy. Note that each toilet room must
children. The art sink area should include art supply storage, display, and
meet ADAAG requirements.
drying areas for finished work or work-in-progress. The counter should be
455 mm to 505 mm deep, allowing children to reach the faucet. Provide
Teachers in older toddler and pre-school rooms are provided an adult toilet
915 mm to 1220 mm of open counter length adjacent to the sink. Provide
located outside the classroom. An adult toilet is to be provided within or
an adult height art sink in all toddler and preschool classrooms at 865 mm
nearby infant and young toddler classrooms.
A.F.F. Faucets and levers should be located behind the sink adjacent to
the wall rather than at the side of the sink. Faucet controls should be no
Toilets located within the classrooms should typically be placed toward the
less than 350 mm from the leading edge of the counter. See
interior perimeter to leave the exterior free for access to natural light and
Section 10.4 Accessibility for reference to ADAAG-required heights of
elements for the disabled child.
PBS-140 - July 2003
7-14
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